Compaction bodies



1962 G. R. DEMPSTER ETAL 3,049,250

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1962 G. R. DEMPSTER El'AL 3,049,250

COMPACTION BODIES 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 4, 1959 INVENTORS ATTORNEYS 1962 G. R. DEMPSTER ETAL 3,049,250

COMPACTION BODIES 1NVENTOR5 Aug. 14, 1962 Filed Sept. 4, I959 G. R. DEMPSTER ETAL 3,049,250

COMPACTION BODIES 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 m INVENTORS gazazkzompsm, mLuflxv/zx-nae xcfl,

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ATTORNEYS Aug. 14, 1962 Filed Sept. 4, 1959 G. R. DEMPSTER ET AL COMPACTION BODIES 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 M+MJL ATTORNEYS Uited States 3,049,250 COMPACTlON BODIES George R. Dempster and William A. Herpich, Knoxville, Tenn, assignors to Dempster Brothers, Inc., Knoxville, Tenn, a corporation of Tennessee Filed Sept. 4, 1959, Ser. No. 838,178 11 Claims. (Cl. 214-82) This invention relates to improvements in compaction bodies of the type used for the collection of refuse, garbage, and the like, and having means therein for compacting such refuse during collection and for discharge therefrom. This application is a continuation-in-part of our copending application Serial No. 708,788, filed January 14, 1958, now abandoned.

Compaction type bodies are usually provided with a compaction head mounted in the body, which is moved lengthwise thereof for compressing the material into the rear portion of the body as it is collected, until the body reaches the point of discharge whereupon the material may be removed therefrom. The compaction head must be moved throughout the major portion of the length of the body and to varying degrees therein during this compacting action, which involves a comparatively long stroke. When using a conventional multi-section hydraulic cylinder for movement of the compaction head lengthwise of the body, the long stroke required introduces problems of mechanical support which frequently render such actuating means unsatisfactory for practical use. Also, in such a device the compaction head itself is subject to misalignment with relation to the walls of the compaction body.

One object of this invention is to provide a compaction body of the type described which utilizes a multisection hydraulic cylinder not subject to the aforementioned problems.

Another object of the invention is to provide a compaction body having a multi-section hydraulic cylinder equipped with movable support means attached thereto.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide a compaction body having a multi-section hydraulic cylinder equipped with longitudinally movable support means pivotally supporting an intermediate portion of the cylinder.

Still another object of the invention is to provide guide means for the compaction head which eliminates any misalignment with respect to the compaction body walls.

A still further object of this invention is to improve the construction of the compaction body.

These objects are accomplished in a preferred embodiment of the invention by mounting a compaction head in a body for movement lengthwise thereof. A multi-section hydraulic cylinder having an intermediate support member attached thereto is connected to the head by means of a trunnion-type mounting for causing the desired lengthwise movement of the head. The support member moves with the section of the cylinder to which it is attached and provides the required stability therefor when the cylinder is in an extended position.

This embodiment of the invention, together with certain modifications therein, are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a compaction body and trailer assembly incorporating the features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a section taken through the cylinder support bracket, on the line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross section taken through the compaction head and adjacent portion of the body, on the line 33 in FIG. 1;

3,049,250 Patented Aug. 14, 1962- FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the hydraulic cylinder in extended position showing the cylinder support bracket and trunnion-type mounting;

FIG. 5 is a similar view showing the cylinder retracted;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the cylinder detached, and in retracted condition;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the hydraulic cylinder, showing a modified mounting therefor;

FIG. 8 is a cross section showing a modified form of cylinder support carrier;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 7, but showing a modified support for the hydraulic cylinder;

FIG. 10 is a partial end view of the central portion of the support of FIG; 9; and

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of the support of FIG. 10.

The invention is shown in FIG. 1 in connection with a motor vehicle having a trailer chassis shown in the form of a low-boy trailer, generally indicated by the numeral 1, and including a self-propelled controllable tractor vehicle, usually of the type having an operators cab, which tractor vehicle is generally indicated at 2. Mounted on the chassis 1 is a compaction body 3 which may be of any suitable shape. The body is provided with a hopper or other filling opening, generally indicated at 4, in the forward end thereof, and with a discharge opening 5 at the rear end thereof, usually closed by doors or other means for effecting discharge of the contents from the body. The details of the body are not shown in the drawings because the invention may be applied to many different types of compaction bodies and because the construction of such bodies is well known in the art and is not necessary to a clear understanding of this invention.

Operatively mounted in the compaction body 3, and movable lengthwise therein, is a compaction head 7 which substantially fills the cross sectional area of the body in the normal construction and is supported for movement by longitudinally slotted guide means 9 mounted on either side thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 3, where the compaction head 7 is shown in cross section, it is seenthat the head has angle elements 19 at opposite sides thereof and suitably secured thereto. Fastened to the angle elements 19 by bolts 21 or other conventional means are elongated shoe members 23 which may be made, for example, of cast iron. These shoe members fit inside of, and slide longitudinally within, the hollow tubes 9 secured in the side Walls and extending throughout the length of the compaction body and forming the guide means. The arrangement thus described provides a simple yet efiicient means of supporting and guiding the compaction head throughout its lengthwise travel.

The compaction head 7 is actuated by a multi-section, double-acting, telescoping type hydraulic cylinder, generally indicated at 11, operated by a hydraulic pump and power unit which may be located at the forward end of the chassis 1 and is generally indicated by the numeral 13.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the hydraulic cylinder 11 is shown in an extended position. The cylinder 11 is made up of four telescoping sections 36, 37, 38, 39, and one stationary section 40, and is known in the art as a fourstage cylinder. It is to be understood, however, that the number of sections is governed by the length of stroke required and may be varied accordingly.

A cylinder support member 15 is shown mounted on one of the intermediate sections, as section 38, and adapted for movement therewith. Section 36 is equipped with trunnions 17 which are journaled in split bearings 41 in the adjacent ends of arms shown as channel membrs 43. In turn, arms 43 extend to and are suitably secured at their opposite ends, as by welding, to the compaction head 7.

The cylinder 11 is shown as supported at its front end -on a pivot pin 45 and at its rear end, on trunnions 17, extending in bridging relation therebetween. If desired, a pivot pin may be used, instead of the trunnion and arm, to support the rear end of the cylinder 11, as shown at 68 in FIG. 7, engaging in an eye directly on the base end of the section 36 of the cylinder 11 and in a suitable bracket on the compaction head 7.

In operation, the section 40 is suitably secured to the trailer chassis 1 as by means, such as an anchor pin 45, which may form a pivot therefor. Fluid is orced into the left end of section 40 through a series of connections, ports, and ducts (not shown) causing the section 36, and consequently the compaction head 7 to move to the right. When the section 36 is extended, the section 37 is acted upon, and so on until the cylinder is completely extended. The force of the forward stroke of the hydraulic cylinder 11 is transmitted to the compaction head 7 through the arms 43 connected with the trunnions 17 mounted on section 36 of the cylinder or by the pivot 48 (FIG. 7).

The cylinder is retracted in reverse order, by forcing fluid through a second series of connections, ports, and ducts (not shown). The details of the multi-stage cylinder 11 and of the hydraulic system and valves, are not illustrated because any suitable construction may be 'used in a manner which is known in the art and forms no part of this invention.

The cylinder support member, generally indicated by the numeral 15, extends in bridging relation between the longitudinally extending guides 9 located in opposite side walls of the compaction body 3. Member 15 is adapted to move with the section of the cylinder to which it is attached and provide support therefor when the cylinder is in an extended position.

The construction of the cylinder support member 15 is more easily understood by making reference to FIG. 2 of the drawings which is a cross sectional View of this structure. The support member is herein shown with a collar having detachable upper portion 25 which coopcrates with the lower portion 27 to securely clamp a section of the hydraulic cylinder 11 therebetween. As seen from FIGS. and 6, the collar is mounted on the cylinder in a manner such that it does not interfere with the telescoping action of the cylinder. An elongated packing nut 28 is provided for this purpose on section 38 of the cylinder 11 and is encircled and clamped by the collar 2527. The length of the sleeve portion 25 should be substantially the width of the support member v The collar 25-27, is mounted on a cylinder support bracket 29 by lugs 31 on the collar section 27, and with the bracket 29 extending in bridging relation between the longitudinally slotted guide means 9 for movement lengthwise of the compaction body with the compaction head 7. The mounting is accomplished in a fashion similar to that of the compaction head 7, by angle bars 33 fastened to the cylinder support bracket 29, the angle bars 33 in turn, being connected to elongated shoe members 35, which longitudinal members 35 fit in and move longitudinally within the hollow tubes comprising the guide means 9. The collar 25-27 is aflixed to the cylinder 11, intermediate the ends thereof, to furnish a movable support which provides maximum stability for the hydraulic cylinder when in an extended position.

By reason of the cylinder support member 15, the unsupported extended length of the cylinder is kept to a mini-mum.

The invention is illustrated in connection with a trailer type body although it is recognized that it may be applied to any suitable type of vehicle. In this trailer type body, the low-boy trailer has the chassis thereof offset vertically and supported by the conventional fifth wheel, indicated at 46, on the chassis of the tractor vehicle 2. Also mounted on the offset forward end portion of the trailer chassis 1, is a body portion 47 extending forwardly of the vehicle from the compaction body 3, at the forward end of the latter. The hydraulic cylinder 11 is mounted in the body extension 47, and the anchor means is secured to the body portion 47 in suitable manner as by a pivot pin.

As will be apparent from FIG. 1, the hydraulic cylinder 11 extends lengthwise of the compaction body 3, either axially thereof or along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the compaction body. it is preferred that the cylinder 11 should lie substantially in a horizontal plane for uniformity of travel of the compaction head 7. The cylinder is shown as midway between the longitudinal guides 9 at the opposite sides of the body. The latter continue uninterrupted by the body 3 along opposite sides of body extension 47, for smooth passage of the support member 15 along the length of the guides.

It will be apparent also that the guides 9 serve to receive and to guide both the compaction head 7 and the support for the cylinder 11. The guide shoes 23 and 35 are spaced apart lengthwise of the respective guides but they travel in the same guides upon operation of the hydraulic cylinder 11. The compaction head 7 is mounted in the guides at opposite sides of the head, as shown in FIG. 3. The support member 15 extends in bridging relation between the same guides 9 as shown in FIG. 2. This support member 15 carries an intermediate portion of the hydraulic cylinder when the latter is extended and, therefore, tends to sustain the extended length of the cylinder. As will be apparent from FIG. 4, this makes it possible to operate the compaction head with the hydraulic cylinder arranged horizontally and thereby obtain more eifective action by the cylinder.

The cross sectional shape of the slotted guide tube 9 may be modified as desired, according to the shoe that is accommodated therein. Such a modification is illustrated in FIG. 8. The trailer body 3 is shown with a. channel guide 49 welded or otherwise secured rigidly thereto. The guide 49 is formed of a pressed channel section having an inner flange 50 vertically overlapping a guide support 51 secured to the opposite edge of the channel section and projecting upwardly into the channel section, forming a portion of a side face for the guide.

A shoe is formed by a pair of blocks 5-2, in this form of the invention, embracing opposite sides of one flange of an angular carrier member 53. The blocks 52 are secured in place on this member by bolts 54, or other suitable fastenings. The shoe 52 is guided in the channel 49 by a side of the channel in vertical alignment with the guide support 51, and by the latter.

The carrier member 53 has a flange projecting downwardly between the inner flange 50 and the guide support 51, and is secured to the cylinder support member 15. The latter is attached to the cylinder 11 intermediate its length, as described above.

In FIGS. 9 through 11, there is shown another form of cylinder support designated 150. This support includes a rigid, transversely extending portion corresponding in function to the transverse member 29 in FIG. 2. However, it is preferred that the portion 60 be a rigid rectangular structure in transverse cross section, as shown in FIG. 11. It is made up of top and bottom plates 62 and 64 and of side plates 66 and 68 welded together as shown.

The rigid transverse portion 60 extends all the way across the body and is supported for longitudinally movement along the body upon expansion of the cylinder 11. The end portions of the support 15a may be mounted as suggested in FIG. 2 or as suggested in FIG. 8.

Near the middle of the support 15a, means are provided for connecting the transverse member 60 to the cylinder 11. On each side of the cylinder 11, there is an upstanding bearing bracket 70 resting upon the surface of the transverse member 60 and being held in position by suitable bolts 72. The bolts 72 pass through the member 60 and through angle members 74 welded to the lower end portions of the brackets 70.

The upper end portion of each bearing bracket is formed with a U-shaped groove 76 for receiving a pintle or trunnion 78 protruding laterally from a cylinder clamp unit designated generally by the numeral 80. The pintle 78 normally are held in the grooves 76 by hearing caps 82 attached by machine screws 84 to the upper ends of the bearing brackets 70.

The clamp unit 80 includes two substantially semicylindrical members 86 of similar configuration. Each is provided with an enlarged boss 88 projecting laterally from its central portion and forming a base from which one of the pintles 7 8 projects. Each pintle 78 is rigid with respect to one of the members 86 of the clamp unit 8% The members 86 also carry brackets 90 adjacent their abutting edges to provide seats for bolts 92 which pull the members 86 together in surrounding relation to the cylinder 11. It will be understood in this connection that the clamp unit 86 moves longitudinally with an intermediate portion of the cylinder 11.

Since the pintles 78 are free to swing in the grooves 76 of the bearing brackets 70, the clamp unit 80 may pivot relative to the rigid transverse support member 60. This facilitates installation operations and also serves to minimize difficulties due to slight misalignment of the parts.

It is apparent that the above disclosed structure provides a compaction body having a compaction head actuated by a multi-section hydraulic cylinder which is free from the misalignment and mechanical support disadvantages normally attendant in such devices. The cylinder is fully supported intermediate its length, when in extended position, and by utilizing the trunnion hearing arrangement described, the extended length of the hydraulic cylinder is kept to a for any given longitudinal excursion of the compaction head.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in certain embodiments, it is recognized that other variations and changes may be made therein, without departing from the invention as set forth in the claims.

We claim:

1. In a compaction body for a vehicle having a body portion with upstanding side Walls and adapted to receive refuse therein, the combination with a compaction head mounted in the body for movement lengthwise thereof, of a substantially horizontal hydraulic cylinder connected to said compaction head, said cylinder having a plurality of telescoping sections, a support member extending in crossed relation with the hydraulic cylinder and oifset therefrom, means carried by the support member and extending laterally therefrom for securing the support member to one of said telescoping sections intermediate the ends of said cylinder, said support member being movable with said intermediate section relative to the opposite end sections of the cylinder and supporting the intermediate portion of the cylinder, and longitudinal guide means located on said side walls, said support member having means at opposite ends thereof for engagement with said longitudinal guide means, and means for supplying fluid under pressure to said hydraulic cylinder whereby said compaction head, said telescoping sections, and said support member are caused to move lengthwise with respect to said compaction body.

2. In a compaction body for a vehicle having a body portion with upstanding side walls and adapted to receive refuse therein a compaction head mounted in the body for lengthwise movement thereof and occupying substantially the entire cross sectional area of said body, a substantially horizontal hydraulic cylinder connected to said compac tion head, said cylinder having a plurality of telescoping sections, longitudinal guide means located in said side walls, means attached to said compaction head for engagement with said longitudinal guide means, a support member extending in crossed relation with the hydraulic cylinder and offset therefrom, means carried by the support member and extending laterally therefrom for securing the support member to one of said telescoping sec tions intermediate the ends of said cylinder, said support member being movable with said intermediate section relative to the opposite end sections of the cylinder and supporting the intermediate portion of the cylinder, said support member having means at each end thereof for engagement with said longitudinal guide means, and means for supplying fluid under pressure to said hydraulic cylinder whereby said compaction head, said telescoping sections, and said support member are caused to move lengthwise with respect to said compaction body.

3. In a compaction body for a vehicle having a body portion adapted to receive refuse therein, the combination with a compaction head extending transversely in the body for movement lengthwise thereof, of a hydraulic cylinder connected with one end of the body and extending lengthwise of the body substantially to the compaction head and connected therewith, said hydraulic cylinder having a plurality of telescoping sections, a support member extending transversely from side to side of the body in crossed relation with the hydraulic cylinder and offset therefrom, means mounting each opposite end portion of the support member upon the body for sustaining the weight thereon and in guiding relation therewith, and means extending laterally from the support member and mounting one of the intermediate sections of the cylinder upon said support member intermediate the ends thereof and with other sections of the cylinder on opposite sides of the support member for supporting the weight of the intermediate portion of said cylinder against sagging during extended movement thereof.

4. In a compaction body for a vehicle having an elongated body portion extending lengthwise of the vehicle and adapted to receive refuse therein, the combination with a compaction head extending transversely of the body portion, and means mounting the compaction head for movement forward and rearward of the body portion, of a hydraulic cylinder connected with the forward end of the body and extending lengthwise of the body substantially to the compaction head and connected therewith, said hydraulic cylinder having a plurality of telescoping sections, a support member extending transversely from side to side of the body in crossed relation with the hydraulic cylinder and offset therefrom, means mounting each opposite end portion of the support member upon the body for sustaining the weight thereon and in guiding relation therewith, and means extending laterally from the support member and mounting one of the intermediate sections of the cylinder upon said support member intermediate the ends thereof and with other sections of the cylinder on opposite sides of the support member for supporting the weight of the intermediate portion of said cylinder against sagging during extended movement thereof.

5. In a compaction body for a vehicle having a body portion adapted to receive refuse therein, the combination with a compaction head extending transversely in the body for movement lengthwise thereof, of a hydraulic cylinder connected with one end of the body and extending lengthwise of the body to the compaction head and connected therewith, said hydraulic cylinder having a plurality of telescoping sections, a support member extending transversely from side to side of the body beneath the hydraulic cylinder and spaced therefrom, a collar secured around an intermediate section of said hydraulic cylinder, members extending upwardly from the support member and securing the collar thereto for supporting the intermediate portion of the hydraulic cylinder on the support member, and means mounting the opposite end portions of the support member on the body in guiding relation therewith.

6. In a compaction body for a vehicle having a body portion adapted to receive refuse therein, the combination with a compaction head extending transversely in the body for movement lengthwise thereof, of a hydraulic cylinder connected with one end of the body and extending lengthwise of the body to the compaction head and connected therewith, said hydraulic cylinder having a plurality of telescoping sections, a support member extending transversely from side to side of the body beneath the hydraulic cylinder and spaced therefrom, a collar secured around an intermediate section of said hydraulic cylinder, members extending upwardly from the support member and securing the collar thereto for supporting the intermediate portion of the' hydraulic cylinder on the support member, said vehicle body portion having guides on opposite sides of the hydraulic cylinders, runners mounted in the guides, and bracket members connecting the runners with the support member for guiding the movement of the support member with the cylinder.

7. In a compaction body for a vehicle having a body portion adapted to receive refuse therein, the combination with a compaction head mounted in the body for movement lengthwise thereof, of power cylinder means connected to said compaction head, said cylinder means having a plurality of relatively movable sections, and supporting means pivotally connected with one of said movable sections of said cylinder means and with sections of the cylinder means on opposite sides of said supporting means.

8. In a compaction body for a vehicle having a body portion adapted to receive refuse therein, the combination with a compaction head mounted in the body for movement lengthwise thereof, of a substantially horizontal hydraulic cylinder unit connected to said compaction head, said cylinder unit having a plurality of telescoping sections, and support means pivotally connected to one .of said telescoping sections intermediate the ends of said cylinder and being longitudinally movable therewith to support said one section against sagging.

9. In a compaction body for a vehicle having a body portion adapted to receive refuse therein, the combina tion with a compaction head extending transversely in the body for movement lengthwise thereof, of a longitudinally extending hydraulic cylinder connected to the body and to the compaction head, said hydraulic cylinder having a plurality of telescoping sections, a support structure extending transversely from side to side of the body beneath the hydraulic cylinder and spaced therefrom, a collar secured around an intermediate section of said hydraulic cylinder, bearing members extending upwardly from the support structure and being provided with vertically elongated openings therein, pintles carried by said collar and being disposed in said openings to p'ivot'ally connect the collar to said bearing members for supporting the intermediate portion of the hydraulic cylinder on the support structure, and means mounting the opposite end portions of the support structure on the body in guiding relation therewith.

10. In a compaction body for a vehicle having a body portion with upstanding side walls and adapted to receive refuse therein, the combination with a compaction head mounted in the body for movement lengthwise thereof, of a substantially horizontal hydraulic cylinder connected to said compaction head, said cylinder having a plurality of telescoping sections, a support member extending in crossed relation with the hydraulic cylinder and offset therefrom, means carried by the support member and extending laterally therefrom for securing the support meniber to one of said telescoping sections intermediate the ends of said cylinder, said support member being movable with said intermediate section relative to the opposite end sections of the cylinder and supporting the intermediate portion of the cylinder, and longitudinal guide means for the support member whereby said compaction head, said telescoping sections, and said support member are caused to move lengthwise with respect to said compaction body.

11. In a compaction body for a vehicle having a body portion adapted to receive refuse therein, the combination with a compaction head extending transversely in the body for movement lengthwise thereof, of a longitudinally extending hydraulic cylinder connected to the body and to the compaction head, said hydraulic cylinder having a plurality of telescoping sections, a support structure extending transversely from side to side of the body beneath the hydraulic cylinder and spaced therefrom, a collar secured around an intermediate telescoping section of said hydraulic cylinder, bearing means mounting said collar on the support structure, and means mounting the oppo site end portions of the support structure on the body in guided relation therewith.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,408,284 Anthony Sept. 24,- 1946 2,530,350 Ehlert Nov. 14, 1 950 2,889,944 Clark et a1 June 9, 1959 

